MPD says goodbye to 21-year veteran

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 3, 2003
Capt. Roger Welborn still remembers the daily drives to and from Jackson on Interstate 20/59 as he and a new friend commuted to the Mississippi Police Academy.
It was the summer of 1981, a time when Welborn was wide-eyed and primed for a career in law enforcement.
And it's not just the long drive that is cemented in Welborn's memory, it's the long talks he had with his new friend the man who is now Meridian's police chief, Benny DuBose.
On Friday, Welborn and DuBose reflected on their lengthy careers with fellow officers and family members during a retirement party held in Welborn's honor.
During his tenure, Welborn has served in nearly every division of the MPD. He headed up the department's first Violent Crimes Unit and was the city's first Internal Affairs officer.
Welborn shared some of those memories Friday during a video montage of old pictures.
DuBose said he, Welborn and Capt. Jeff Lewis are the only group of officers to graduate from the academy who stayed together during their entire careers at the MPD.
Now, 21 years later, DuBose will be forced to search for Welborn's replacement. DuBose said he's not sure if, or when, a new captain will be promoted.
Welborn said he'll miss the camaraderie with his fellow officers.
Welborn, who is able to retire early because he has four years of service in the U.S. Army that can be counted towards his state retirement, said he had a lot of good times at the MPD.